Boston Marathon Roll Call: Paul Racine

Paul runs the 2011 Boston Marathon. Photo by Katrina Amaro.

How many times have you run Boston? Five

What was your first year running Boston? 2000

What was your first experience like? Just finishing Boston brought on a huge runner's high, a rarity for me. Chip time 3:33;39, having shuffled slowly for the first two miles due to crowding. I needed to be under 3:31 to re-qualify. (In those days they disregarded the seconds in the qualifying times, and everyone who presented a qualifying time during the initial registration period was certain of an entry.)

Why do you keep coming back? Boston is my fave. I grew up near Hopkinton so it's like going home. Plus, there's the cachet.

Is your preparation for the 2018 race different than previous Boston Marathons? Overall how would you rate your training? Crashing and burning within two miles of the start of the NYC Half in March was not a confidence booster, but two subsequent OK long runs were reassuring. The training plan was a modified Coach Mike 3:30-4:00 schedule with more rest and lower weekly mileage, which probably turned it into a Coach Mike 4:00-4:30 schedule, come to think of it.

What are you looking forward to the most about the race? Crossing the finish line, then a post-race meal of ice cream at Toscanini's in Cambridge.

What are you dreading the most about the race? Miles 20-26. The last 0.2 won't be a problem if I get that far. I'll crawl if necessary.

Is this going to be a PR attempt? For me every race is a P.R. race. (Get it?)

What’s your strategy for April 16? DO NOT GO OUT FAST!

Paul poses in his Boston Strong cap with long-time finish line volunteer Dianne Massa after the 2017 Boston Marathon

I double dare you: predict your time! 3:59:20

What words of advice do you have for first-time Boston runners? DO NOT GO OUT FAST!

In two weeks time you will cross the finish line and think, “NEVER AGAIN!” Be honest — will you run this race again? Yes, body permitting.

Which course is harder and why: New York or Boston? Tossup. Each has its downsides. NYC: early rising, waiting, waiting, waiting, crowding on the course, and lotsa turns. Boston: unpredictable weather and those Newton hills from 17.5-21.

What’s the first beer you’ll have after the race? Sam Adams Brew 26.2.

I apologize for ripping this off from the NBR blog, but in your head what celebrity do you think you resemble most when you’re running? At Boston, Waldo, as in "Where's Waldo?" Find the skinny man in the Boston Strong running cap.